The 21 best fast dining spots in the Bay Area:

Perhaps wary of the dreary connotations, this clean, well-lit spot in Oakland’s City Center doesn’t call itself a vegan restaurant. But you know that you’re a long way from the Golden Arches when the kitchen cooks with plants and nothing more. An exercise in virtue, the menu is also surprisingly vibrant. It includes verdant wraps, with collard greens playing the role of tortillas, and veggie “noodle” dishes starring ribbons of zucchini. You can get them tossed with pesto, topped with seasoned sweet potatoes, or, best of all, Thai-style, with broccoli, cabbage, cashews, and a coconut-almond sauce. Everything is organic and free of added sugar, salt, flour, and oil. Given the restraints, some dishes are a touch drab. Good thing there are saltshakers by the counter. A dash of sodium won’t kill you. In fact, it’s necessary to bring some things to life. 499 14th St. (near Clay ...